Grêmio and Flamengo Clash in Crucial Brasileirão Showdown

PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil — Grêmio will host Flamengo on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. (Brasilia time) in a pivotal match for the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. The game, set to take place at the Arena do Grêmio, will be broadcast live on TV Globo and Premiere, with live updates available on ge.com.

Both teams are under pressure, with Grêmio facing scrutiny after inconsistent performances despite securing three wins in their last four matches. Head coach Gustavo Quinteros recently experienced backlash following a 2-0 defeat to Ceará and mixed reactions after a recent victory against Atlético Grau in the Copa Sul-Americana.

“We must improve our performances if we want to be contenders,” Quinteros said in a press conference. The Grêmio board has expressed continued faith in Quinteros’ leadership amid the challenges.

Meanwhile, Flamengo suffered their first loss under new coach Filipe Luís, going down 2-1 against Central Córdoba in the Libertadores on Wednesday. The team plans to field its strongest squad against Grêmio, as they prioritize a strong showing now that they are competing for domestic glory.

Danilo, who has been sidelined with a thigh injury for 50 days, is expected to return to the lineup for Flamengo. “Having Danilo back gives us more options in the lineup,” Luís said. The return of players like Gerson, Pulgar, and Wesley is also a boost for the Flamengo side as they aim to rectify their midweek loss.

In terms of roster, Grêmio is likely to start with Tiago Volpi in goal, supported by João Pedro, Rodrigo Ely, Wagner Leonardo, and Lucas Esteves in defense. In the middle, Dodi and Villasanti will work alongside Cristaldo, with Amuzu, Braithwaite, and Pavón leading the attack.

Flamengo is anticipated to line up with Rossi in goal and a back four of Wesley, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro. The midfield will feature Pulgar, De La Cruz, and Arrascaeta, while Gerson, Plata, and Bruno Henrique will head the attack.

The clash will be officiated by Ramon Abatti Abel, assisted by Alex Ang Ribeiro and Thiaggo Americano Labes, with Marco Aurelio Augusto Fazekas Ferreira as the VAR referee.

This matchup marks the third round in the Brasileirão season, with both clubs eager to notch a win to enhance their standings. Flamengo currently sits eighth with one win and one draw, while Grêmio follows closely in twelfth position, hoping to bounce back after an early setback.